State may have compromised 1,800 social security
numbers, belonging to children. Thousands at risk nationally.

In a press release dated July, 15,
2005, Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff announced that five people
have been charged---and hundreds more may be charged----with stealing and
forging social security numbers belonging to children.

"Operation Protect the Children" is a joint
investigation by the Utah Attorney General's Office, Office of Inspector
General for the Social Security Administration and U.S. Immigration and
Customs Enforcement. The ongoing investigation has uncovered an alarming new
crime spree involving illegal aliens and identities stolen from victims
under the age of 12.

"Identity thieves are no respecters of age. They
will steal your children's ID, ruin their credit and hurt them in ways never
thought possible before they can graduate from grade school," says Attorney
General Mark Shurtleff. "Children are vulnerable even if parents do
everything right."

Investigators checked Utah state records and found
that approximately 1,800 social security numbers, belonging to children
under of 13, may have been compromised.

"Everyone is doing everything possible to protect
the identities of children," says Resident Agent in Charge Ron Ingleby,
Office of Inspector General for the SSA. "Identity thieves could get away
with destroying a child's credit for years unless we stop them."

The suspects allegedly used the young victim's
social security numbers to get jobs, start businesses and open bank
accounts. Investigators found some unbelievable work situations based on the
social security numbers, including:

A 5-year-old Ogden girl supposedly travels 80
miles to get to her job at a steak restaurant in Provo.

An 8-year Orem boy apparently owns a cleaning
company and works as a prep cook at two
upscale restaurants in Salt Lake City.

And an 11-year Salt Lake City boy supposedly
works for an express air freight company.

Social security numbers were also stolen from a
12-year old boy in Beaver and a 9-year-old boy in Orem. One suspect told
investigators he paid $100 for a boy's social security number. All 5
suspects have been charged with third degree felony counts of identity fraud
and forgery.

"It was shocking," says Kim Oakden, the mother of a
12-year-old victim. "My heck! I felt violated and I'm frustrated that it can
happen so easily."

Not only do victims need to fix their credit, they
may face problems if they apply for a school loan, Medicaid, food stamps or
other government services.

Scott Smith didn't know his 5-year-old daughter was
a victim until he asked about state health benefits. "It's frustrating,"
says Smith. "Now I need to do a credit check for my daughter to see what
damage has been done." The suspect allegedly started using the girl's number
when she was only 6 -months-old.

Researchers with News for Public Officials
have found thousands of
Social Security numbers belonging to children on state and county websites
across the country.

What you
can do to
protect your family

Shredding your
documents and monitoring your credit will not protect you if your local
or state government is publishing the same information on the
Internet.

Learn
what your county government is telling the world about you. Visit
FindMyID.com. Volunteer
researchers will assist you for free.